A former New College Durham apprentice has returned to the college to help deliver a £6 million transformation of its sport and music facilities.
Ryan Hepple, now MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health) Design Manager at Meldrum Construction Services, is leading the engineering design for the extensive refurbishment at New College Durham’s Framwellgate Moor campus.
His return marks a full-circle moment for a former student who began his career at the college. Ryan first enrolled as a Level 2 Plumbing and Heating student before completing a four-year apprenticeship. He is now helping to shape the facilities that future generations of students will use.
New College Durham investment
The redevelopment is part of New College Durham’s wider investment in learning environments designed to reflect changing industry needs. The college said the project will enhance facilities for students studying sport, music, performance and related subjects.
The refurbishment is intended to provide contemporary learning spaces that mirror professional environments, giving learners access to facilities and resources aligned with the workplaces they may enter after completing their studies.
It follows other major developments at the college, including its award-winning Institute of Technology, specialist technical learning environments, advanced engineering facilities and continuing campus improvements supporting further and higher education learners.
‘A real sense of pride’
Ryan said returning to the college had given the project particular significance.
“Studying at New College Durham was the start of my career. I completed my Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Plumbing and Heating before spending four years as an apprentice, and the memories I have of my time here are very positive. It was the beginning of something completely new for me.”
He added that leading the engineering design on the project was especially rewarding because his own career began at the college.
“Coming back and helping to shape the future of the campus gives me a real sense of pride.”
Ryan also said Meldrum Group aimed to deliver engineering solutions that were practical, sustainable and buildable. He said he hoped the design team would continue to grow while helping organisations meet their decarbonisation ambitions through innovative engineering.
He said the prospect of future students benefiting from the facilities made the work particularly rewarding, adding: “Hopefully they'll enjoy the same opportunities that I had when I first started my career here.”
Preparing students for modern careers
Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal for Curriculum at New College Durham, said Ryan’s story demonstrated the opportunities available through technical education and apprenticeships.
“Ryan's journey perfectly demonstrates the life-changing opportunities that technical education and apprenticeships can provide.”
She said the college’s continued campus investment was aimed at ensuring students had access to learning facilities equipped with the resources and technologies needed for modern careers.
Ms Maynard also highlighted the importance of preparing learners for changing industries, particularly as employers place greater focus on sustainability and emerging technologies.
The sport and music refurbishment is the latest milestone in New College Durham’s long-term estates strategy. The college said its facilities will continue to evolve alongside industry expectations while supporting thousands of learners preparing for careers across the North East and beyond.